News
Yet another sign that film is on its last legs as UK high street retailer Dixons announces that is ending sales of 35mm cameras in its 221 shops. Sales of digital cameras will this year beat those of film cameras by a massive 15 to 1. Dixons may not be the first name that springs to mind when you think of film camera retailers in the UK, but the stats behind the decision are revealing…
“We have decided that the time is now right to take 35mm cameras out of the frame.” In 1989, sales of 35mm cameras peaked at 2.9 million in the UK, but now Dixons says it is an “increasingly niche” market.”
Yet another sign that film is on its last legs as UK high street retailer Dixons announces that is ending sales of 35mm cameras in its 221 shops. Sales of digital cameras will this year beat those of film cameras by a massive 15 to 1. Dixons may not be…
PCMagazine have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera.
“Like its sibling, the Konica Minolta DiMage Z20, the Konica Minolta Dimage Z5 has a striking design, balanced body, and rugged feel. With its 2-inch LCD screen and electronic viewfinder, you’re able to see subjects in nearly any shooting situation, and the 12X optical zoom brings you close to the action. Unfortunately, compared with our two Editors’ Choice superzooms—the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ20 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ15—the Z5 just doesn’t measure up in terms of picture quality, particularly when using flash.”
Website: PCMagazine - Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review
Website: Read my Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 Review
PCMagazine have just posted their review of the new 5 megapixel Konica Minolta Z5 digital camera. “Like its sibling, the Konica Minolta DiMage Z20, the Konica Minolta Dimage Z5 has a striking design, balanced body, and rugged feel. With its 2-inch LCD screen and electronic viewfinder, you’re able to see…
Design Technica have published their review of the Sony DSC-W7, a 7 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, battery life of 380 shots between power charges and 32 megabytes of internal memory.
“Along with superior resolution, the DSC-W7 mirrors the trend in cameras with huge, 2.5-inch LCD screens to frame and review your shots. We love the bigger screens; they make reading menus much easier, and you have a larger palette on which to compose your photographs. That said, the DSC-W7 is not without its flaws, especially when it comes to focusing in certain available light situations. And that Picture Package software is just plain awful.”
Website: Design Technica - Sony DSC-W7 Review
Design Technica have published their review of the Sony DSC-W7, a 7 megapixel digital camera with a 2.5 inch LCD screen, battery life of 380 shots between power charges and 32 megabytes of internal memory. “Along with superior resolution, the DSC-W7 mirrors the trend in cameras with huge, 2.5-inch LCD…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have published a review of the new Sanyo Xacti Digital Movie C5, which has 5 megapixels, 2 inch LCD screen and can record MPEG4 format movies with VGA resolution at 30 frames per second. The Sanyo Xacti Digital Movie C5 replaces the Sanyo Xacti C1 that I have previously reviewed.
“I was also very pleased with the overall image quality when using the 5M High mode. Outdoors it captured sharp images with good contrast. The exposure and white balance systems did well in a wide variety of lighting conditions, and colors were nicely saturated. There were average amounts of noise in low contrast areas, but almost no CA (Chromatic Aberration) present in high contrast areas. It also does a very good job of exposing the sky, with beautiful cloud detail. Although you can see the noise when viewing an image at 100%, it is very unlikely that you will even see any traces in your prints. In fact, our 8x10-inch prints were great and 4x6-inch prints were awesome.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Sanyo Xacti Digital Movie C5 Review
Check the Latest Prices for the Sanyo Xacti Digital Movie C5
DIWA member Steves Digicams have published a review of the new Sanyo Xacti Digital Movie C5, which has 5 megapixels, 2 inch LCD screen and can record MPEG4 format movies with VGA resolution at 30 frames per second. The Sanyo Xacti Digital Movie C5 replaces the Sanyo Xacti C1 that…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom, a new entry-level 5 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and 1.7inch LCD screen.
“I found the overall image quality was good when using the 5M Fine mode. Most of our sample images were sharp with good color balance. The exposure system also did well and I especially liked how it captured sky detail. Noise levels were moderate in high/low contrast areas, but we didn’t see much purple fringing (aka Chromatic Aberration) around highlights. However, I was very disappointed with its autofocus system. It failed more often then not in dim lighting and every time the camera tries to lock focus, the LCD freezes up, making it useless if following a moving subject. But thanks to its optical viewfinder, you should have no problems capturing images of the kids running through the house or yard.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom Review
DIWA member Steves Digicams have reviewed the Fujifilm FinePix A350 Zoom, a new entry-level 5 megapixel camera with a 3x optical zoom lens and 1.7inch LCD screen. “I found the overall image quality was good when using the 5M Fine mode. Most of our sample images were sharp with good…
DIWA member Steves Digicams have posted the first online review in English of the new Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 digicam.
“Ergonomics are great. The camera is small enough that it can be slipped into almost any size pocket or purse, yet it’s large enough for a comfortable feel in your hands. The controls are well placed and functional, with your thumbs falling naturally over the various controls on either side of the LCD. The Menu system was logically organized and the shortcut menus are handy for quickly changing settings. The large 2.5-inch “HyperCrystal” LCD works great outdoors, even on the brightest of days, and when used in low-ambient lighting it “gains up” to help brighten your subject; this is a useful feature considering the LCD is the only viewfinder. Like past Stylus series cameras, the Stylus 800 employs a metal exterior and durable rubber gaskets on the inside to seal gaps and prevent moisture from entering the body, it can survive a downpour or a gentle sprinkle.”
Website: Steves Digicams - Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 Review
DIWA member Steves Digicams have posted the first online review in English of the new Olympus mju DIGITAL 800 digicam. “Ergonomics are great. The camera is small enough that it can be slipped into almost any size pocket or purse, yet it’s large enough for a comfortable feel in your…
The Spanish website Quesabesde have published their review of the 7 megapixel Olympus C-70 Zoom (called the Olympus C-7000 Zoom in the USA).
Website: Quesabesde - Olympus C-70 Zoom Review
The Spanish website Quesabesde have published their review of the 7 megapixel Olympus C-70 Zoom (called the Olympus C-7000 Zoom in the USA). Website: Quesabesde - Olympus C-70 Zoom Review Check the Latest Prices for the Olympus C-70 Zoom Write a Review of the Olympus C-70 Zoom
The Hungarian website Index Digicam are first out of the blocks with a review of the new Samsung Digimax i5, a slim 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical internal zoom lens equivalent to 39-117mm and a 2.5” 230K-pixel high resolution LCD.
Website: Index Digicam - Samsung Digimax i5 Review
The Hungarian website Index Digicam are first out of the blocks with a review of the new Samsung Digimax i5, a slim 5 megapixel digital camera with 3x optical internal zoom lens equivalent to 39-117mm and a 2.5” 230K-pixel high resolution LCD. Website: Index Digicam - Samsung Digimax i5 Review…
Imaging Resource have just reviewed the recently released Adobe Photoshop CS2 digital imaging software.
“Adobe told us they used Photoshop’s 15-year milestone to rethink some basic operations. The goal was to make the product more user-friendly for the legions of digital photographers marching their way. We highlight the improvements to tools, workflow and customization before taking a closer look at a few significant new features.”
Imaging Resource have just reviewed the recently released Adobe Photoshop CS2 digital imaging software. “Adobe told us they used Photoshop’s 15-year milestone to rethink some basic operations. The goal was to make the product more user-friendly for the legions of digital photographers marching their way. We highlight the improvements to…
Imaging Resource have published their review of the Kodak Easyshare V550, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen.
“Kodak’s EasyShare Software is a big part of the EasyShare story. Especially in its latest implementation, it walks you through every step of uploading, enhancing, and emailing your photos, and has about the most graphically intuitive interface of any consumer imaging software I’ve seen. It automatically sizes the images for printing or emailing, stores copies, applies simple effects, and allows you to make image corrections, such as color, brightness, and contrast adjustments. The entire line of EasyShare cameras are among the easiest and most goof-proof digital cameras out there, and the V550 and Kodak’s latest Picture Software carry on that tradition admirably.”
Website: Imaging Resource - Kodak Easyshare V550 Review
Imaging Resource have published their review of the Kodak Easyshare V550, a 5 megapixel camera with 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5inch LCD screen. “Kodak’s EasyShare Software is a big part of the EasyShare story. Especially in its latest implementation, it walks you through every step of uploading, enhancing, and…
DPReview have published their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x zoom Kodak EasyShare Z740 digital camera.
“I liked the Z740 a lot more than I expected to; first impressions after months of using the Canon S2 IS and Sony H1 weren’t that positive - the Kodak is so small and lightweight that it feels almost toy-like. But of course being light and compact means the Z740 is as near as you can get to a ‘carry anywhere’ 10x zoom camera, and the ease with which you can use the fairly comprehensive photographic controls puts many more sophisticated cameras to shame. And overall - bearing in mind the target market - I was pleasantly surprised by the out-of-camera results, which produce very pleasing prints.”
Website: DPReview - Kodak EasyShare Z740 Review
DPReview have published their review of the 5 megapixel, 10x zoom Kodak EasyShare Z740 digital camera. “I liked the Z740 a lot more than I expected to; first impressions after months of using the Canon S2 IS and Sony H1 weren’t that positive - the Kodak is so small and…
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have taken a look at the 5 megapixel Kodak EasyShare LS755 digital camera.
Website: FotoAparat - Kodak EasyShare LS755 Review
DIWA member and Czech website FotoAparat have taken a look at the 5 megapixel Kodak EasyShare LS755 digital camera. Website: FotoAparat - Kodak EasyShare LS755 Review Check the Latest Prices for the Kodak EasyShare LS755 Write a Review of the Kodak EasyShare LS755
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix 7900, a 7 megapixel digital camera featuring a 2.0-inch LCD screen, new graphical user interface and a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format.
Website: Fotopolis - Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review
Website: Read my Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review
DIWA member and Polish website Fotopolis have reviewed the new Nikon Coolpix 7900, a 7 megapixel digital camera featuring a 2.0-inch LCD screen, new graphical user interface and a 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens equivalent to 38-114mm lens in 35mm format. Website: Fotopolis - Nikon Coolpix 7900 Review Website: Read my…
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have published the very first online review of the new entry-level Pentax *ist DL digital SLR camera. The Pentax *ist DL is a 6.1 megapixel DSLR which features a 2.5 LCD screen and light 16 ounce body.
Website: e-fotografija - Pentax *ist DL Review
DIWA member and Slovenian website e-fotografija have published the very first online review of the new entry-level Pentax *ist DL digital SLR camera. The Pentax *ist DL is a 6.1 megapixel DSLR which features a 2.5 LCD screen and light 16 ounce body. Website: e-fotografija - Pentax *ist DL Review…
Wondering what the new 10 megapixel Leica Digital-Modul-R digital back is capable of? Find out what Digital Outback Photo thinks in their latest Experience Report.
“In the end we don’t think that this camera is a real competion to a Nikon D2x or the Canon 1Ds Mk. II because the the Nikon and Canon systems are more modern and sophisticated (autofocus, image stabilized lenses, flash systems, highly integrated digital systems developed over quite a few generations). On the other side we also understand that some may fall in love with the Leica optics. We ourselves wait for the Leica M Digital. If that camera delivers as much as the DMR shows today the Leica M Digital will be on our shortlist for a top class street camera.”
Website: Digital Outback Photo - Leica Digital-Modul-R Experience Report
Wondering what the new 10 megapixel Leica Digital-Modul-R digital back is capable of? Find out what Digital Outback Photo thinks in their latest Experience Report. “In the end we don’t think that this camera is a real competion to a Nikon D2x or the Canon 1Ds Mk. II because the…
DCResource have reviewed the new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60, which has a large 2.5inch LCD screen (but no optical viewfinder), 5 megapixels and a sliding lens cover.
“Overall, the DiMAGE X60’s photo quality was a mixed bag. Sometimes it was good, other times I was disappointing. On the positive side, photos were well-exposed with very little purple fringing and noise. Colors were good most of the time, but in several photos I noticed a pronounced green/blue color cast (example). In addition, there is noticeable softness around the corners and edges in many photos (example 1, example 2), which sort of goes with the territory on these folded optics cameras. In other words, you have to be willing to accept the tradeoffs of a smaller camera like this one.”
Website: DCResource - Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60 Review
DCResource have reviewed the new Konica Minolta DiMAGE X60, which has a large 2.5inch LCD screen (but no optical viewfinder), 5 megapixels and a sliding lens cover. “Overall, the DiMAGE X60’s photo quality was a mixed bag. Sometimes it was good, other times I was disappointing. On the positive side…
DigitalCameraInfo have just posted their review of the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR.
“Fuji has done some very smart engineering to address a very real need in digital photography. Unfortunately, the FinePix S3 blends its uniquely impressive image quality with glacially slow shooting and writing speeds, and mediocre autofocus – it’s unsure in low light, and slow all the time. This results in some very strong limitations that many users will not be able to look past. But for some, the S3 will offer a formidable alternative that is superior to any other camera currently on the market.””
Website: DigitalCameraInfo - FujiFilm FinePix S3 Pro Review
DigitalCameraInfo have just posted their review of the Fuji FinePix S3 Pro digital SLR. “Fuji has done some very smart engineering to address a very real need in digital photography. Unfortunately, the FinePix S3 blends its uniquely impressive image quality with glacially slow shooting and writing speeds, and mediocre autofocus…
Trusted Reviews have reviewed the new Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505, which features a 5X optical zoom, an imaging CCD with 5.0 megapixels, Casio’s “EXILIM engine”, and a large 2-inch TFT color rotating screen.
“Despite its diminutive dimensions, the EX-P505 has many of the performance and handling characteristics of an SLR-style semi pro camera. Start-up time is a respectable two seconds, and the camera switches on automatically when you unfold the monitor. Shot-to-shot time is a reasonable although not outstanding 1.5 seconds, but there is no continuous shooting mode.”
Website: Trusted Reviews - Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505 Review
Trusted Reviews have reviewed the new Casio Exilim Pro EX-P505, which features a 5X optical zoom, an imaging CCD with 5.0 megapixels, Casio’s “EXILIM engine”, and a large 2-inch TFT color rotating screen. “Despite its diminutive dimensions, the EX-P505 has many of the performance and handling characteristics of an SLR-style…
Hardware Secrets have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S1, a 5.1 megapixel digital camera with a 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens.
“The large viewing screen is useful to notice pictures being spoiled by any dirt on the lens. Its resolution is relatively low – 110,000 pixels – comparing to other models like the Sony Cybershot DSC-T7 (which features double the pixels) but the 2.5 inches viewing screen serves its purpose. Picture framing is easy and the lack of an optical viewfinder passes unnoticed. The size is also good for menu browsing: the “Scene Mode” offers 15 pre-shooting settings (Museum, Backlight, Close-Up, Landscape, Underwater etc) plus some sub-settings. Navigating by them is pretty easy.”
Website: Hardware Secrets - Nikon Coolpix S1 Review
Hardware Secrets have reviewed the Nikon Coolpix S1, a 5.1 megapixel digital camera with a 35-105mm 3x Zoom-Nikkor ED lens. “The large viewing screen is useful to notice pictures being spoiled by any dirt on the lens. Its resolution is relatively low – 110,000 pixels – comparing to other models…
Leica Press Release
Go-ahead for capital increase at Leica Camera AG after agreement with major plaintiffs in actions for avoidance - Major shareholders intending to subscribe
Leica Camera AG, Solms, on August 5, 2005 has achieved a settlement out of court with four plaintiffs in the actions for avoidance, among them Leasing- und Handelsservice Heinrich GmbH (Hettstadt) and EO Investors GmbH (Dusseldorf). Their actions for avoidance of the capital measures resolved by the General Meeting on May 31, 2005, which had been the subject of the ad hoc announcement of July 15, 2005, have been settled with mutual agreement. The remaining fifth action for avoidance had been brought in an unlawful way. It is expected that the procedure will be closed without further proceedings.
Leica Press Release Go-ahead for capital increase at Leica Camera AG after agreement with major plaintiffs in actions for avoidance - Major shareholders intending to subscribe Leica Camera AG, Solms, on August 5, 2005 has achieved a settlement out of court with four plaintiffs in the actions for avoidance, among…